Euro 2016: Ballymena man sets the beat for Northern Ireland

Classically trained musician Craig Lutton has been putting his talent to good use these past two weeks, banging his drum for the Green and White Army.

The 21-year-old has played venues such as the Royal Albert Hall but this summer he has been playing in venues of a different sort- Euro 2016 stadiums.

Craig, a former Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year, will be leading the beat as the fans go on the march in Paris in the lead up to the crucial tie with Germany.

He told Belfast Live: “As a huge fan it is a dream come true.

“There’s nothing like it. As soon as the anthems finish and you kick into the Green and White Army chant ­ it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.”

Craig is a member of the London Northern Ireland Supporters Club and played drums on the charity single ‘Making our way to Paris’ which has became a bit of an anthem for the tournament.

Back in October when qualification was secured, Craig and his fellow members of LNISC marched to Trafalgar square in celebration.

“Craig said: “The London NISC are a great bunch and have really helped while I was away from home.

“Our members come from across London and south east England, and from all backgrounds in Northern Ireland.”

More: Craig’s friend Jordan breaks his leg doing the bouncey